While American troops long have been involved in deadly combat in Afghanistan, so have soldiers from some other countries.
Canada is one of them. But now Canada has decided to withdraw from combat, something that Americans unfortunately do not have in immediate prospect.
It is reported that 2,850 Canadian soldiers are going home from Afghanistan – after their nation suffered 157 combat deaths there since 2002. But 950 Canadian troops expect to be sent to Afghanistan to help train local security forces.
How we wish all U.S. forces could leave Afghanistan now, end our own casualties, and yet not have Afghanistan fall again under Taliban or al-Qaida control.
But sadly, there are about 100,000 Americans in Afghanistan – and most will not be leaving anytime soon.